I've been a wild rover for many's a year
And I've spent all my money on whiskey and beer
But now I'm returning with gold in great store
And I never will play the Wild Rover no more

Chorus:
And it's no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more
Will I play the Wild Rover
No never, no more

I went into an alehouse that I used to frequent
And I told the landlady my money was spent
I asked her for credit, she answered me "nay
Such a custom as yours I can have any day"

Then out of my pockets I took sovereigns bright
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight
She said "I have whiskey and wines of the best
And the words that I said, they were only in jest"

I'll go home to my parents, confess what I've done
And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And if they caress me as oft times before
Then I never will play the Wild Rover no more